‘Age is just a number’— Sunil Chhetri has proven that time and again. Even at 40, the Bengaluru FC captain remains a relentless force up front, continuing to defy expectations and redefine longevity.

The Blues’ talisman ended the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season as the highest Indian goalscorer and the second-highest overall, trailing only NorthEast United FC’s Alaaeddine Ajaraie. He also hit a double-digit goal tally for the first time in six seasons, further evidence that class is permanent.

With 14 goals and two assists to his name, Chhetri equalled his joint-best goal contributions in a single season — matching his output from the 2017-18 campaign. His form played a pivotal role in Bengaluru FC’s charge to the playoffs, helping the team overcome a difficult mid-season stretch before ultimately finishing as runners-up in the Cup final.

Unlike previous campaigns, Chhetri's role this season evolved. Head coach Gerard Zaragoza leaned into his experience off the bench, a tactical shift that paid off handsomely. Even with limited starts, the veteran embraced his super-sub role, consistently delivering in decisive moments.

A man whose record speaks for itself, Chhetri's goal-scoring prowess continues to flow despite now being 40. The veteran forward, who possesses a knack for finding the back of the net in most demanding situations, delivered it yet again when the Blues needed him, be it in the ISL playoffs or mid-season juncture.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man

Chhetri etched his name in ISL history this season by becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer. A composed penalty against Mohun Bagan Super Giant saw him overtake Bartholomew Ogbeche, a landmark moment in a career full of them.

That goal was his 57th in ISL colours for Bengaluru FC. Adding in his seven goals for Mumbai City FC, Chhetri wrapped up the campaign with a staggering 75 ISL goals: twelve more than Ogbeche, who now sits second on the list.

At a time when many athletes begin to fade, Chhetri chose to ignite another spark. Despite his retirement from international football in June 2024, he reversed course and turned out for India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in March. He even scored on his return to international football, finding the net during India's 3-0 friendly win over Maldives.

Ever the clutch player, Chhetri once again delivered in the big moments. His towering stoppage-time header against FC Goa in the semi-final second leg at Fatorda sealed Bengaluru’s place in the ISL Cup final, another golden moment in his legacy.

That goal made him the first player to score 10 goals in ISL Playoffs history. His knack for late drama also stands unmatched, with nine injury-time goals, a testament to his match-winning expertise.

The Indian international has defied conventional wisdom, showing he's not just aging gracefully but that he's getting sharper and more efficient with time.

In December, Chhetri etched yet another record into ISL folklore by netting a hat-trick against Kerala Blasters FC, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the league after turning 40 (40 years, 126 days).

The Bengaluru FC captain now holds the distinction of being the oldest Indian goalscorer as well as the oldest Indian assist provider in ISL history, a true testament to his longevity.

A season to remember

Chhetri has scored 14 goals in the ISL 2024-25 season, the joint-most by an Indian in a single league season (also Chhetri in the 2017-18 season). He has scored six goals as a substitute this season, the outright highest such tally by any player in a single season. Moreover, his 11 goals as a substitute overall are the outright most by any player in league history.

Chhetri is now 40, but his numbers this season are those of a clinical finisher in his prime. A legend of this game, who is on the horizon of his illustrious career, is still striving for greatness, setting an exemplary path for the generations to come.

To top the scoring charts and maintain elite performance deep into your 30s, let alone at 40, takes more than just talent. It demands resilience, grit, unwavering determination, sturdy dedication to their game and an unshakable belief in yourself. Chhetri, as always, ticks all those boxes which has been the recipe for his extraordinary career.

There were seasons when he underperformed, when the critics questioned his relevance, when many believed his best was behind him. But this season, with his joint career-best tally, Chhetri showed that the fire still burns.

Aging like a fine wine? Perhaps. But Sunil Chhetri is more than that, he’s timeless.

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Bengaluru FC2024-2025 Sunil Chhetri